Grassrootsmirro

By Comr. Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri|Grassrootsmirro  June 30, 2025 As Nigeria searches for sustainable economic alternatives beyond oil, Ebonyi stands out as a sleeping giant, waiting to be awakened. This article explores the hidden wealth of Ebonyi State—its mineral resources, agricultural products, strategic advantages, and the opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and policy makers. It also proposes actionable steps that can turn Ebonyi into a thriving center for commerce and industry. Known primarily for its agrarian lifestyle and a history marred by underdevelopment, Ebonyi is now standing at the threshold of transformation. With abundant mineral resources, a resilient population, rich agricultural lands, and strategic location, Ebonyi State has all the fundamentals required to become a  business hub , not only in the South-East but across Nigeria and West Africa. 1. Natural Resource Endowment a. Mineral Resources Ebonyi is blessed with some of the richest mineral de...

A Major Shift in Israel’s Strategy On June 29, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel’s decisive 12-day conflict with Iran, which concluded on June 24, has created a “window of opportunity” to address the terrorist hostage crisis in Gaza. With 50 hostages still held since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack—only 20 of whom are believed to be alive—Netanyahu stated their release is now Israel’s top national priority. How the Iran Campaign Might Pressure Hamas Netanyahu noted that the outcome of the Iran conflict—Israel’s most significant strike against Iran’s nuclear and proxy infrastructure since the campaign began June 13—has weakened Iran’s position and its influence over Hamas: Iran’s nuclear facilities were significantly damaged, though analysts caution the setback may only delay Iran's program by a few months. Iranian-backed militant groups, collectively described as the “Axis of Resistance,” have lost strategic strength. Political isolation for Hamas may inc...

By Comr. Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri|Grassrootsmirro  June 29, 2025 Among the underutilized treasures of Ebonyi’s agricultural landscape is the African Yam Bean , locally known as Asama . This indigenous legume, often overshadowed by more commercial crops like rice, cassava, and yam, holds tremendous potential not only for improving the livelihoods of rural communities but also for boosting the state's economy, enhancing nutrition, creating jobs, and placing Ebonyi on the global agricultural map. This comprehensive article explores the diverse economic and medicinal benefits of African Yam Beans (Asama), detailing how Ebonyi State can harness this crop for food security, job creation, industrial value addition, and international trade. What is African Yam Bean (Asama)? African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa ) is a legume species native to sub-Saharan Africa, valued for both its edible seeds and underground tubers. In Ebonyi, it is locally called Asama and is traditionally cultiva...

By Grassrootsmirro  InternationalNews Israel Thwarts Major Espionage and Assassination Attempt Orchestrated by Iranian Intelligence In a dramatic revelation that underscores rising regional tensions, Israeli authorities have arrested two Israeli citizens accused of collaborating with Iranian intelligence to plant powerful explosives near the home of Defense Minister Israel Katz. This suspected assassination plot highlights Tehran’s continued covert operations aimed at destabilizing Israel from within. The suspects—both in their twenties—are now facing severe national security charges as investigations unravel a larger network of espionage operating on Israeli soil. Who Are the Suspects? The two suspects, identified as Roy Mizrahi (24) and Almog Atias (25) , hail from Nesher , a town in northern Israel. According to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the suspects were recruited via online platforms and became willing collaborators due to severe financial stress, including s...

By Chukwu Abia | Grassrootsmirro  June 29, 2025 In the heart of Nigeria’s southeast lies a land rich in resources, culture, and ambition — Ebonyi State . Known for its resilient people and emerging infrastructure, Ebonyi has transformed significantly over the years. But today, one question echoes across the streets of Abakaliki, Onueke, Afikpo, and Ishiagu: “Have we added or reduced?” Are we progressing or retrogressing under the present leadership? Have we built on the foundation of previous administrations or are we watching the pillars of growth erode in silence? This blog post examines the leadership system and developmental strides of the current government, particularly in comparison with the era of Governor David Nweze Umahi , whose tenure left indelible marks on the state. Let’s assess — through facts, policies, and people’s experience — if Ebonyi is moving forward, standing still, or drifting backward . THE UMAHI ERA (2015–2023): THE CONCRETE REVOLUTION When you mention...

By Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri |Grassrootsmirro  June 28, 2025 Leadership is not easy. It is a burden that demands vision, sacrifice, foresight, and the courage to confront both visible and hidden challenges. But leadership is also a privilege, the opportunity to steer people toward a better future. In a state like Ebonyi, endowed with vast mineral resources yet struggling with underdevelopment, visionary leadership is the only path toward transformation. Ebonyi, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, is often referred to as the "Salt of the Nation" due to its famous salt lakes. However, beyond salt, the state is rich in lead, zinc, limestone, granite, kaolin, and other industrial minerals. Sadly, decades of neglect, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies have left these treasures buried beneath a mountain of unrealized potential. But all hope is not lost. This article outlines a strategic blueprint for the revival of minerals in Ebonyi , with the ulti...

By Comr Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri |Grassrootsmirro  June 26th, 2025 In the tumultuous theatre of Nigerian politics, where power is fiercely contested, the story of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stands as one of quiet irony and profound consequence. Unlike many African leaders who clung to power with iron fists and bloody trails, Jonathan’s most damning political "sin" was not tyranny, corruption, or incompetence—it was his audacious attempt to seek constitutional reform . For daring to challenge Nigeria’s entrenched oligarchies and archaic political structures, he was systematically removed—not through the barrel of a gun, but through the more elegant yet equally lethal instrument of democratic subterfuge. A Presidency Born of Tragedy and Hope Goodluck Jonathan rose through Nigeria’s political hierarchy not by sheer will, but by fate’s design. A man of humble origins from the creeks of the Niger Delta, his ascent from Deputy Governor to Vice President, and ultimately to President fo...